Sattila Ekadashi is observed during the waning phase of moon usually in the month of January – Magh in North India and Paush in other regions. Sesame seeds or Til is used by those observing this Vrat - smear Til paste on the body, bath in water mixed with Til or sesame seeds, offer prayers to ancestors in water mixed with sesame seeds, eat Til and share it with others. There is an interesting story that explains the importance of Sattila Ekadashi Vrat. The Katha is listened to by people observing the Ekadasi fasting.

Once their lived a rich woman who was very pious and she used to observe Ekadasi fasting without fail. She used to feed the Brahmins and donated cows etc. But out of ignorance she used to not feed other hungry people.

Once Lord Krishna came in the guise of a poor mendicant with torn clothes on Sattila Ekadashi day and asked for some food. The rich woman was not ready to give food until the mendicant mentioned his gothra and the place he came from. The mendicant did not listen to her and continued to ask for food. The rich woman got angry and put some clay in the begging pot of the mendicant.

The mendicant left without complaining. The woman then returned home to eat her food and to horror found that all that she had cooked had turned into clay. All the rice, fruits and vegetables in her home became clay.

All the food items that were brought into her home became clay. The rich woman became hungry and pale and grew weak day by day. She had all the wealth in the world but the wealth could not get her food.

She then prayed to Lord Krishna for days and one day God Krishna appeared in her dream. He said that the greatest dhanam is Anna Danam or feeding one who is hungry. Hunger knows know caste or creed or rich or poor. You will escape from this situation of yours when you perform Sattila Ekadashi.

The woman then performed the Sattaila Ekadasi – she donated til seeds to all that came to her home. She fed the poor and hungry. Soon all the clay food items in her home became real food items.

The woman then always kept the door of her courtyard open for those who are hungry. She fed them at anytime of the day.

Later she attained moksha and escaped from the cycle of birth and death.